YAKIMA, Wash. – Franklin Pool hosted its 19th annual ‘Paws at the Pool‘ event, inviting hundreds of dogs and their owners for a day of fun. However, this year might be the last due to recent budget cuts affecting the pool’s operations.
The event, which has become a community favorite, brought dogs and their owners together for one last splash.
“This is what heaven looks like. Dogs playing everywhere, people just hanging out, lots of fun,” Jason Zeller said.
Zeller is the city’s recreation program supervisor, expressed his determination to keep the pool running despite the uncertainty.
“We still do what we can. I mean, we operate every year like we’re going to operate this next and that’s how we’re going to continue to do it,” he said.
Zeller also reflected on the initial skepticism around the event, saying that it sounded like a crazy idea. Now, it’s the perfect way to spend a summer Sunday.
“You can take a dog out of its normal environment, where it’s going to be very protective between you and the owner or its fenceline or whatever. Once you put them in a neutral area like a pool, all of that goes away. They just become big goobs and they just have lots of fun,” he said.
Yakima resident Chris Borwiek brought his seven-month-old Frenchie Pit, Drakeo, to the pool for the first time.
“Drakeo is having a lot of fun. You meet a lot of new friends running around and causing mayhem with all the other dogs,” Borwiek said.
Zeller emphasized the importance of the pool to the community, stating, “It just draws everybody closer, brings you closer to doing something that you all like.”
Despite the funding challenges, Zeller remains committed to keeping Franklin Pool operational. The community hopes for the pool’s continued presence as they cherish the memories and connections it fosters.
